The FAA is seeking comments on a proposal to revise an airworthiness directive (AD) on some Piper twin-engine aircraft by eliminating a nose baggage door compartment interior light inspection, while retaining the AD’s other requirements.
The FAA published a notice May 20 in the Federal Register of its proposal to revise AD 2009–13–06, Amendment 39–15944, that applies to Piper PA–23, PA–31, and PA–42 twins. The AD establishes life limits for safety-critical nose baggage door components, requires replacement of safety-critical nose baggage door components, and orders repetitive inspection and lubrication of the nose baggage door latching mechanism and lock assembly.
The AD was issued June 12, 2009, following several incidents and accidents, including fatal accidents, in which the nose baggage door opening in flight was listed as a causal factor.
Inspection of the nose baggage door compartment interior light “does not impact the unsafe condition addressed by the AD,” said the FAA in its notice.
The FAA is requesting comments on the proposed AD by July 5.
Comments may be submitted online, by fax (202/493-2251), or by mail to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
